CUET revolution: Schools as pathways to higher education

The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) 2025 concluded earlier this week, with over 13 lakh students taking the test this year.

- Hemant Joshi

Now in its fourth year, CUET is India's second-largest undergraduate entrance exam after the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), with over 280 universities relying on it for admissions. If managed well, CUET could be India's gateway to realizing the Viksit Bharat vision.

India's vision for Viksit Bharat 2047 is built on a bold promise: A future where young minds drive economic growth, powered by an education that will create real skills and jobs. With over 65% of the population under the age of 35, the stakes are immense in education. A key milestone on this path is raising the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education from the present 28.4% to at least 50% by 2035, while ensuring that more graduates are not just degree-holders but job-ready for a rapidly evolving world.

For Viksit Bharat to succeed, India needs a workforce equipped with future-ready skills and not just degrees. But with GER stuck at its current level, millions are still missing out on higher education, leading to employability challenges. The solution starts with better access, and that is where CUET plays an important role. Over the last two decades, India has largely solved the issue of access to school education. Now is the time to do the same for higher education and build a workforce that is employable at scale.